Building Community

20 slides automatically advancing every 20 seconds. It definitely forces you to find the essence of a story, and limitations like that always stretch our creativity in the best of ways. My talk,”Finding Bigfoot,” will honor Dallas and Wayne, two Bigfoot researchers from my hometown in southern Ohio. They were the subject of my documentary, “Not Your Typical Bigfoot Movie,” and making that film remains one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. If you’re in Columbus, come join us to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Pecha Kucha Columbus.

Abundance Thinking says we can both win. Your light can shine, and so can mine. And in the process, the overall light shines brighter. The more freely I give and share, the better off we both are. It says there’s an abundance of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose available that we can all share in. Abundance Thinking is about doing a favor for someone or lending a helping hand without an expectation that that person will do something for you; you give for the sake of giving. Abundance Thinking is based in trust, faith, and ultimately love.

Scarcity Thinking says if you win, then I lose. Or, if I win, you lose. There’s a limit to how much fulfillment, meaning, and purpose exists in the world, and if you’re getting more of it, then I’m getting less of it. Or if I’m getting more of it, then you’re getting less of it. Scarcity Thinking is about keeping score, viewing life and relationships as transactional, and only doing favors for others when you know they’ll do something for you in return. Scarcity Thinking is based in insecurity, doubt, and ultimately fear.

I’m naturally drawn to people who live their lives rooted in Abundance Thinking.

Since moving to Columbus in February 2014, I’ve developed quite a love affair with this place. It’s easy to love. Columbus is one of the most likeable, authentic, friendly places I’ve lived. Here are a few highlights so far that I thought I’d share with those of you who may be new to Columbus or may be looking to see this city with fresh eyes. This is a work-in-progress and by no means a full list because I know there are lots of cool places I’m not including or haven’t experienced yet; I intend to provide updates as the adventure continues.

Dessert

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams– Columbus’s very own, now with locations in Chicago, Atlanta, and elsewhere. Can’t beat the Buckeye State flavor, but it’s best to have a sampling of several flavors before deciding.

On Friday night, I went to see The Grand Budapest Hotel (not Honey I Shrunk the Kids, contrary to popular belief). It’s now my 4th favorite Wes Anderson film (behind Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Bottle Rocket, respectively).